Bathtub shape arrangement

ABSTRACT

A bathtub assembly includes a tub portion having a bowl with a backrest, a right footrest, a left footrest and a right and left armrest which respectfully extends from each footrest to the backrest. The backrest is generally concave in shape and flows from a bowl bottom. Opposite the backrest is a wall which flows into the bowl bottom. The right footrest and the left footrest are convex in shape and flank the wall. The right and left armrests are generally convex in shape along the length of the bowl sidewall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bathtub, and more particularly to bathtub shape configuration which provides back, arm and foot supports.

Oversized luxury showers and tubs are becoming increasing desirable in new construction and bathroom renovations. Tub and shower surrounds are positioned within a recess built around a bathtub or shower. Conventional modular tub/shower units often include a tub portion and two or more wall portions. The whole structure is inserted into the wall recess to form a waterproof surround.

Disadvantageously, the bathtubs of molded surrounds are typically of a relatively basic conventional construction which may not provide desired relaxation amenities expected in a luxury tub. Furthermore, women must often contend with difficulties while shaving their legs. The contortions required to shave legs may prove difficult and minimize the comfort and enjoyment of bathing.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a molded bathtub with relaxation amenities expected in a luxury tub.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A bathtub assembly includes a tub portion which includes a bowl having a backrest, a right footrest, a left footrest and a right and left armrest which respectively extend from each footrest to the backrest. The backrest is generally convex in shape and flows from a bowl bottom. Opposite the backrest is a wall which flows into the bowl bottom. The right footrest and the left footrest are convex in shape and flank the wall. The right and left armrest are generally convex in shape along the length of the bowl sidewall and are located adjacent the backrest to provide a convenient arm support when a bather is reclining upon the backrest.

The present invention therefore provides a molded bathtub with relaxation amenities expected in a luxury tub.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 is a general exploded view of a molded tub surround assembly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a molded tub surround assembly;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a molded tub surround assembly with a footrest, backrest and armrest according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates a general exploded view of a molded tub surround assembly 20 which is formed of a multitude of pieces manufactured from a molded plastic material. A tub portion 22 receives wall portions 24 a, 24 b and 26 to form the combined tub and surround 20. It should be understood that any number of wall portions will benefit from the present invention. Preferably, the wall portions 24 a, 24 b are side wall portions which are mounted to a back wall portion 26 with a hinge 25 or the like. The hinge 25 is preferably a flexible material to provide a living hinge which permits the wall portions 24 a, 24 b and 26 to be folded for transportation and unfolded for installation.

The tub portion 22 defines a horizontal deck area 28 and a substantially vertical flange 29 extending therefore. The flange may also be known as a nailing flange. The flange 29 preferably extends along three sides of the tub portion 22 and behind the wall portions 24 a, 24 b and 26 when in an assembled condition (FIGS. 2 and 3).

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the tub portion 22 includes a bowl 30 having a backrest 32, a right footrest 34 a, a left footrest 34 b and a right and left armrest 36 a, 36 b which respectfully extends from each footrest 34 a, 34 b to the backrest 32. The backrest 32, the first footrest 34 a, the second footrest 34 b and the armrests 36 a, 36 b are preferably molded directly into the bowl 32.

The backrest 32 is preferably generally concave in shape and flows from a bowl bottom 38. The term “flows” as utilized herein relates to one shape which is smoothly connected to another shape and preferably, blends the shapes together at an interface therebetween. The backrest 32 extends from the bowl 30 to form a cushion-like shape within the bowl 30. That is, a backrest side 33 extends from a back wall 35 of the bowl 30. It should be understood that various shape and configurations of the backrest 32 may be used with the present invention to provide a comfortable support for a bather when lounging within the tub.

Referring to FIG. 3, opposite the backrest 32 is a wall 42 which flows into the bowl bottom 38. Preferably, the wall 42 is generally concave in shape and is located adjacent a drain 44 and a faucet 46 (illustrated schematically). The right footrest 34 a and the left footrest 34 b are convex and shape and flank the wall 42. It should be understood that various shapes are usable with the present invention.

Preferably, the wall 42 is recessed relative the right footrest 34 a and the left footrest 34 b. In other words, the right footrest 34 a and the left footrest 34 b extend further into the bowl 30 than the wall 42. The right footrest 34 a, and the left footrest 34 b facilitate leg shaving while the wall 42 permits a bather to stretch out when lounging within the tub.

The right and left armrest 36 a, 36 b flow from each footrest 34 a, 34 b to the backrest 32. That is, the right footrest 34 a and the left footrest 34 b transitions into the right and left armrest 36 a, 36 b respectively. The right and left armrest 36 a, 36 b extend generally transverse to the right and left footrest 34 a, 34 b. That is, the right footrest 34 a and the left footrest 34 b are arranged generally vertical and transverse to the relatively the horizontal bowl bottom 38 and the right and left armrest 36 a, 36 b. The right and left armrest 36 a, 36 b extend generally horizontal and parallel to the bowl bottom 38.

The right and left armrest 36 a, 36 b are located within a sidewall 48 of the bowl 30. The right and left armrest 36 a, 36 b are generally concave in shape and extend along the length of the sidewall 48. The right and left armrest 36 a, 36 b are located adjacent the backrest 32 and preferably extend at least partially behind the backrest 32 (FIG. 4) to provide a convenient arm support when a bather is reclining upon the backrest 32. That is, the right and left armrest 36 a, 36 b extend past the backrest 32 and flows into the back wall 35 of the bowl 30.

The foregoing description is exemplary rather than defined by the limitations within. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The preferred embodiments of this invention have been disclosed, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. For that reason the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention. 

1. A bathtub comprising: a generally concave backrest formed within a tub bowl; and a generally convex footrest opposite said backrest.
 2. The bathtub as recited in claim 1, wherein said footrest extends toward an interior of said bowl.
 3. The bathtub as recited in claim 1, wherein said backrest flows into a floor of said bowl.
 4. The bathtub as recited in claim 3, wherein said floor flows into a wall opposite said backrest, said wall extending between said footrest and a second footrest.
 5. The bathtub as recited in claim 4, wherein said foot rest and said second footrest flank said wall.
 6. The bathtub as recited in claim 1, further comprising an armrest within a side wall of said bowl.
 7. The bathtub as recited in claim 6, wherein said armrest extends from said backrest to said footrest.
 8. The bathtub as recited in claim 1, further comprising an armrest which flows into said footrest.
 9. A bathtub comprising: a backrest formed within a tub bowl; a wall within said tub bowl opposite said backrest; a first footrest adjacent said wall; and a second footrest adjacent said wall.
 10. The bathtub as recited in claim 9, wherein said first footrest and said second footrest are generally convex.
 11. The bathtub as recited in claim 9, further comprising a fist armrest within a side wall of said bowl, said first armrest extending from said first footrest, a second armrest within a side wall of said bowl, said second armrest extending from said second footrest.
 12. The bathtub as recited in claim 11, wherein said first armrest and said second armrest are transverse to said first footrest and said second footrest.
 13. The bathtub as recited in claim 11, wherein said first and second armrest extends toward a backrest.
 14. The bathtub as recited in claim 11, wherein said first and second armrest extends at least partially behind said backrest and flows into a back wall of said tub bowl.
 15. The bathtub as recited in claim 14, wherein said backrest is concave.
 16. The bathtub as recited in claim 15, wherein said backrest is spaced away from said backwall.
 17. The bathtub as recited in claim 9, further comprising a drain adjacent said wall and generally between said first footrest and said second footrest.
 18. A bathtub comprising: a wall formed within a tub bowl; a first footrest adjacent said wall; a second footrest adjacent said wall; a first armrest which flows from said first footrest; and a second armrest which flows from said second footrest
 19. The bathtub as recited in claim 18, wherein said first and second armrest extends at least partially behind a backrest and flows into a back wall of said tub bowl.
 20. The bathtub as recited in claim 18, wherein said fist armrest and said second armrest are transverse to said first footrest and said second footrest. 